The HSE (Health Service Executive) has reauthorized the production of Ballymaguire Foods after a month-long prohibition due to a listeria outbreak. On August 12th, the company was finally allowed to recommence its business after it was halted due to the detection of Listeriosis in the company’s ready-made meals sold in multiple grocery stores across Ireland.
The company’s products were recalled on the 18th of July. Further recalls of more than a hundred ready-to-eat meals varieties were issued by the FSAI days after to conduct an investigation of a listeriosis outbreak. According to the authorities nine confirmed cases of listeriosis were identified and one adult died with listeriosis. However, no more information was given to ensure medical confidentiality. It is also likely that others were infected but not diagnosed due to the disease’s mild symptoms.
Following the identification of the issue Ballymaguire Foods stated that it had “initiated a full precautionary recall of all products produced at one of our facilities following the identification of listeria bacteria as part of a quality control check.”
Additionally, the company implemented immediate corrective actions that included “a full pharmaceutical-grade clean down” of the affected facility. Furthermore, Dr. Patrick Wall — former Chief Executive of the FSAI — was appointed by the company to lead a team in order to “fully and effectively resolve this matter”.
Listeriosis is a foodborne disease caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. It has mild symptoms and is of low risk for most healthy individuals. Nonetheless, the disease is potentially fatal and is a high risk disease for vulnerable patients like pregnant women, newborns, patients with compromised health, and the elderly.
In the case of ready-to-eat meals, it is imperative to cook the meal thoroughly with an internal temperature of 70 degrees Celsius or piping-hot, a temperature which microwaves will not always achieve uniformly.
The recent outbreak and outbreak response highlights the importance of combined efforts between government and private companies to ensure and protect citizens’ health and livelihood. Simultaneously, it showcases the relevance of being well informed and attentive to public calls, all available in FSAI, other government official sites, and several news outlets.
